Courtside Ventures

Courtside Ventures, founded in 2015 and based in New York, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in companies at the intersection of sports, technology, and media. The firm aims to partner with founders who are innovating within the sports, lifestyle, and gaming sectors. Courtside Ventures leverages the expertise of its team, composed of specialized sports and media entrepreneurs and investors, to provide substantial strategic support to portfolio companies. By fostering long-term partnerships, Courtside Ventures seeks to enhance operational effectiveness and drive growth for the businesses it invests in.

Vasu Kulkarni

Partner

Deepen Parikh

Partner

Cort Post

Principal

Oliver Ressler

Venture Partner

Past deals in Sports

Draftea

Series A in 2022
Draftea is a pioneering daily fantasy sports platform aimed at the Spanish-speaking audience. It enables sports enthusiasts to create their own fantasy teams by selecting players based on their understanding of the game. Users can enter contests and earn prizes as they accumulate points when their chosen players achieve specific performance milestones, such as scoring goals or completing passes in real matches. As a technology startup, Draftea is supported by notable investors, including Sequoia, Kaszek, and Bullpen Capital, positioning it as a significant player in the growing fantasy sports market.

Draftea

Seed Round in 2022
Draftea is a pioneering daily fantasy sports platform aimed at the Spanish-speaking audience. It enables sports enthusiasts to create their own fantasy teams by selecting players based on their understanding of the game. Users can enter contests and earn prizes as they accumulate points when their chosen players achieve specific performance milestones, such as scoring goals or completing passes in real matches. As a technology startup, Draftea is supported by notable investors, including Sequoia, Kaszek, and Bullpen Capital, positioning it as a significant player in the growing fantasy sports market.

Faze

Series A in 2022
Fazo app is a Cricket NFT platform where fans can collect, use, play and interact with cricket through NFTs.

Faze

Seed Round in 2021
Fazo app is a Cricket NFT platform where fans can collect, use, play and interact with cricket through NFTs.

Nifty Games

Series B in 2021
Nifty Games Inc. specializes in designing and developing mobile-based sports games, focusing on delivering head-to-head, free-to-play experiences. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company targets the rapidly growing segment of mobile gaming by offering classic sports competitions that can be completed in just a few minutes. Nifty Games aims to provide fun and competitive gaming experiences through quick-session arcade-style gameplay, appealing to a diverse global audience of sports enthusiasts. Its commitment to innovation in mobile sports gaming positions it as a key player in this dynamic industry.

ARENA

Seed Round in 2021
Go Arena is a fitness company that provides workout and fitness solutions. Arena's users can take their unit wherever they go, thanks to the Lithium-Ion Regenerative Charging Battery and the lightweight foldable travel dolly. The ARENA app subscription also features 24-hour exclusive challenges where users can compete against their favorite creator’s high score and more. Go Arena was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.

WinZO

Series B in 2021
WinZO is an e-sports gaming platform established in 2018 and headquartered in New Delhi, India. It provides a diverse selection of over 70 games, including popular titles like carrom, cricket, bubble shooter, fruit samurai, knife up, memory mania, fantasy league, and trivia-based games. The platform combines elements of data science, gaming, and social interaction, catering to a growing audience of gamers in the region.

Rei do Pitaco

Venture Round in 2021
Rei do Pitaco is a pioneering Brazilian mobile application focused on Daily Fantasy Sports, specifically designed to enhance the enjoyment of sports for fans in Brazil. The platform allows users to participate in single-round fantasy sports contests across major football leagues, enabling them to build teams by selecting their preferred players. Users can compete with friends, create leagues, and earn cash prizes, fostering active engagement in the gaming experience. By combining competitive elements with the thrill of football, Rei do Pitaco aims to create a trustworthy and enjoyable environment for sports enthusiasts.

WinZO

Debt Financing in 2021
WinZO is an e-sports gaming platform established in 2018 and headquartered in New Delhi, India. It provides a diverse selection of over 70 games, including popular titles like carrom, cricket, bubble shooter, fruit samurai, knife up, memory mania, fantasy league, and trivia-based games. The platform combines elements of data science, gaming, and social interaction, catering to a growing audience of gamers in the region.

VAULT

Series A in 2020
Flick, Inc. is a software company that has developed a chat application tailored for sports influencers and their fans. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Mamaroneck, New York, the platform allows sports influencers to connect with their most engaged followers, fostering a deeper level of interaction. Users can create branded hubs where they can communicate directly with fans, host quizzes, and provide live in-game statistics and events. The application is designed to enhance fan engagement through features such as polls, pre-game hype, and post-game analysis, making it a comprehensive tool for sports enthusiasts. Flick is also accessible via the App Store and Google Play, further expanding its reach within the sports community.

WinZO

Series B in 2020
WinZO is an e-sports gaming platform established in 2018 and headquartered in New Delhi, India. It provides a diverse selection of over 70 games, including popular titles like carrom, cricket, bubble shooter, fruit samurai, knife up, memory mania, fantasy league, and trivia-based games. The platform combines elements of data science, gaming, and social interaction, catering to a growing audience of gamers in the region.

Religion of Sports

Series A in 2020
Religion of Sports Media, Inc. is a media production company based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 2016 by Tom Brady, Michael Strahan, and Gotham Chopra. The company specializes in creating high-quality sports content, including documentaries that explore the lives of famous athletes and the broader cultural impact of sports. Its platform offers a variety of multimedia content, such as game highlights, scores, podcasts, and articles, allowing fans to engage with their favorite sports icons and relive memorable moments. By focusing on human and emotional storytelling, Religion of Sports aims to connect audiences with the deeper narratives within the sports world.

Freeletics

Series A in 2018
Freeletics GmbH is a digital fitness company based in Munich, Germany, founded in 2013. It specializes in developing and operating a fitness application that provides personalized AI-driven coaching for physical fitness and mental well-being. The app offers a variety of features, including tailored training programs, nutrition coaching, and real-time health assessments, enabling users to train effectively without the need for equipment or gym access. By focusing on both physical fitness and mental strength, Freeletics aims to empower individuals to reach their personal fitness goals and enhance their overall lifestyle. The company promotes a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of willpower, confidence, and the potential for self-improvement.

Freeletics

Series A in 2018
Freeletics GmbH is a digital fitness company based in Munich, Germany, founded in 2013. It specializes in developing and operating a fitness application that provides personalized AI-driven coaching for physical fitness and mental well-being. The app offers a variety of features, including tailored training programs, nutrition coaching, and real-time health assessments, enabling users to train effectively without the need for equipment or gym access. By focusing on both physical fitness and mental strength, Freeletics aims to empower individuals to reach their personal fitness goals and enhance their overall lifestyle. The company promotes a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of willpower, confidence, and the potential for self-improvement.

The Athletic

Series C in 2018
The Athletic Media Company is an online sports media publisher that specializes in providing in-depth coverage of local and national sports for fans in North America. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, The Athletic offers a subscription-based platform that features articles, podcasts, and videos focused on various sports, including basketball and football. The company is dedicated to delivering authentic sports news free from advertisements and pop-ups, allowing users to engage with quality content produced by skilled local and national sports journalists. Through its platform, The Athletic connects sports fans with comprehensive information and updates about their favorite teams and athletes.

Freeletics

Venture Round in 2018
Freeletics GmbH is a digital fitness company based in Munich, Germany, founded in 2013. It specializes in developing and operating a fitness application that provides personalized AI-driven coaching for physical fitness and mental well-being. The app offers a variety of features, including tailored training programs, nutrition coaching, and real-time health assessments, enabling users to train effectively without the need for equipment or gym access. By focusing on both physical fitness and mental strength, Freeletics aims to empower individuals to reach their personal fitness goals and enhance their overall lifestyle. The company promotes a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of willpower, confidence, and the potential for self-improvement.

Religion of Sports

Venture Round in 2018
Religion of Sports Media, Inc. is a media production company based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 2016 by Tom Brady, Michael Strahan, and Gotham Chopra. The company specializes in creating high-quality sports content, including documentaries that explore the lives of famous athletes and the broader cultural impact of sports. Its platform offers a variety of multimedia content, such as game highlights, scores, podcasts, and articles, allowing fans to engage with their favorite sports icons and relive memorable moments. By focusing on human and emotional storytelling, Religion of Sports aims to connect audiences with the deeper narratives within the sports world.

The Athletic

Series B in 2018
The Athletic Media Company is an online sports media publisher that specializes in providing in-depth coverage of local and national sports for fans in North America. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, The Athletic offers a subscription-based platform that features articles, podcasts, and videos focused on various sports, including basketball and football. The company is dedicated to delivering authentic sports news free from advertisements and pop-ups, allowing users to engage with quality content produced by skilled local and national sports journalists. Through its platform, The Athletic connects sports fans with comprehensive information and updates about their favorite teams and athletes.

LiveLike

Series B in 2018
LiveLike Inc. is a technology company that provides a live streaming platform designed to enhance sports viewing experiences for fans across various devices, including mobile and virtual reality. Established in 2015 and headquartered in New York, with an additional office in Gurugram, India, LiveLike develops a white-label platform that enables broadcasters to deliver both regular and interactive content under their own brand. The platform incorporates features such as watch parties, gamification, and access to sports statistics, aiming to engage younger audiences and improve retention and monetization for media companies. Key clients include prominent organizations and events like Fox Sports VR, the French Open, the UEFA Champions League, and the Super Bowl, showcasing LiveLike's commitment to revolutionizing the sports broadcasting landscape through innovative technologies.

100 Thieves

Seed Round in 2017
100 Thieves, LLC, an esports organization, competes in professional leagues. The company has a team, which participates in leagues and championships. Additionally, it also retails sports apparel through its online store. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

The Athletic

Series A in 2017
The Athletic Media Company is an online sports media publisher that specializes in providing in-depth coverage of local and national sports for fans in North America. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, The Athletic offers a subscription-based platform that features articles, podcasts, and videos focused on various sports, including basketball and football. The company is dedicated to delivering authentic sports news free from advertisements and pop-ups, allowing users to engage with quality content produced by skilled local and national sports journalists. Through its platform, The Athletic connects sports fans with comprehensive information and updates about their favorite teams and athletes.

The Athletic

Seed Round in 2017
The Athletic Media Company is an online sports media publisher that specializes in providing in-depth coverage of local and national sports for fans in North America. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, The Athletic offers a subscription-based platform that features articles, podcasts, and videos focused on various sports, including basketball and football. The company is dedicated to delivering authentic sports news free from advertisements and pop-ups, allowing users to engage with quality content produced by skilled local and national sports journalists. Through its platform, The Athletic connects sports fans with comprehensive information and updates about their favorite teams and athletes.

LiveLike

Series A in 2016
LiveLike Inc. is a technology company that provides a live streaming platform designed to enhance sports viewing experiences for fans across various devices, including mobile and virtual reality. Established in 2015 and headquartered in New York, with an additional office in Gurugram, India, LiveLike develops a white-label platform that enables broadcasters to deliver both regular and interactive content under their own brand. The platform incorporates features such as watch parties, gamification, and access to sports statistics, aiming to engage younger audiences and improve retention and monetization for media companies. Key clients include prominent organizations and events like Fox Sports VR, the French Open, the UEFA Champions League, and the Super Bowl, showcasing LiveLike's commitment to revolutionizing the sports broadcasting landscape through innovative technologies.

Drone Racing League

Seed Round in 2016
Drone Racing League, Inc. is a New York-based organization that specializes in professional drone racing competitions for elite pilots. Founded in 2015, the league designs and constructs its own racing drone, the Racer3, which can exceed speeds of 85 MPH. The organization is known for creating complex, immersive 3D race courses that enhance the spectator experience, blending media and technology to produce engaging drone racing content. In addition to organizing races, the league sells tickets and offers various media services to reach a broader audience, aiming to establish drone racing as a popular sport with mass appeal.

VSporto

Seed Round in 2016
VSporto, LLC is a provider of Internet radio and podcast services tailored for sports enthusiasts. Founded in 2011 and based in Ridgeland, Mississippi, the company offers a platform that connects fans with high-quality audio and video content related to their favorite teams. This includes news, opinions, analysis, and interviews with current and former players and coaches, ensuring fans stay informed about the latest developments in the sports world. By focusing on delivering engaging content, VSporto aims to enhance the experience of true sports fans.
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